Looking to Jesus, Part 57
“Stronger Every Day”
Hebrews 13:8, 9
The Los Angeles S.P.C.A. presents a yearly “hero dog” award. The award usually goes to a service dog or a household pet who has provided some heroic service to its master. A military dog, a police K-9, a therapy dog, and a search and rescue dog have all been recipients of this very special honor.
in 2015, however, the award was given to a most unusual animal. In Bakersfield, a four-year-old boy was attacked by a 60 pound stray dog. His unlikely rescuer was his pet cat, Tara! When the dog attacked, the cat leaped into action by attacking and then chasing the dog away. The cat then returned to make sure her boy was OK. After a few stitches, the boy and his cat returned home to a hero’s welcome.
What motivated a ten-pound cat to attack a 60-pound dog? Nothing less than the cat-version of love for his boy. With no thought for her own safety, the cat didn’t think twice about protecting her boy.
This is the love that motivates us to share the gospel with our lost neighbors. We who know God, realize that His holy demands are only satisfied in the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. No matter how small or weak we may feel, love compels us to rescue the perishing by bringing them the gospel - good news to all who are saved.
And, once the gospel is believed and received, grace gives us strength for each new day.
See you on Sunday,
Pastor Steve
HOME FELLOWSHIP STUDY GUIDE
Home Fellowship Discussion Guide
Week of March 19th
Q: What’s the best gift ever given to you by a friend or family member? Why did it mean so much to you?
Q: Have you ever felt pressured to change you diet due to a current cultural or health trend?
READ FIRST: Hebrews 13:8, 9
Q: The Hebrew Christians were at risk of being “led away” by “diverse and strange teachings.” From verse eight, what can you learn about this “strange teaching?”
Q: In the book of Jude, verses 3 - 4, what doctrine was being “perverted” by these false teachers?
Q: In Jude 17-19, how do false teachers affect the life of the Body of Christ?
Q: In Jude 20-23, what are the seven exhortations for church members in response to false teachers in verses 20-23?
Q: In our passage, what is it that “strengthens” us?
Looking to Jesus Part 57
Stronger Every Day - Hebrews 13:8-9
March 18, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
Looking to Jesus Part 62
April 29, 2018 • Pastor Luke Dailey
Sermon Meditation Looking to Jesus, Part 62 (Final) Times are Changing Hebrews 13:18-25 The time change we still practice in California is unnecessary. We began practicing the Spring Forward and Fall Back time changes so that farmers would have more daylight in the summer season to do work in their fields. However, because of electricity and technology, the need for the seasonal time change has become a thing of the past. States in our country are deciding one by one to no longer practice the time changes. One thing that I thought was helpful and even good about the time changes was that there was (and currently still is) a clear change of seasons. As we complete our verse by verse study of Hebrews this Sunday, we have a clear change of season in our church. We will discuss the main themes of Hebrews one more time together, and exegete the final passage together. The main focus this week is found in verses 21 and 22. Our God of peace has equipped us to do good works according to His will. That’s an AWESOME truth! God has given us everything we need to walk in a way that is good and pleasant to Him! We will also look forward with great anticipation to what God has planned for us after the current series. I’m very excited to walk with you into the next season of life for Centerpoint Church. See you Sunday, Pastor Luke Home Fellowship Discussion Guide Week of April 29th Q: What would it mean to you to live with a “clear conscience?” What would be the benefits to this? Q: What’s the most peaceful place you’ve ever been? What about this place inspired peace? READ FIRST: Hebrews 13:18-25 Q: The benediction found in verses 20-22 are among the most beautiful in all of Scripture. What are the three greatest blessings promised here? Q: Verse 20 provides two names for God. What are they and what do they teach us about God’s character? Q: In verse 21, what is God “equipping” us for? Q: What do you think was the reason that Timothy was in jail? Would you be willing to follow this same path? If you were arrested for being a Christian, what evidence would the prosecution give in favor of a conviction? Q: During the last 62 weeks in Hebrews, what has been your greatest “take away?” Q: Take a few moments and pray these “benediction” blessings for one another.
Looking to Jesus Part 61
April 22, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
A Message to the Wandering Sheep of Simi Valley “Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God.” Hebrews 13:17a The verdict is in - church attendance patterns in our city have changed drastically. Those who formerly attended worship each Sunday now find it more convenient to attend only once or twice a month; this has got to change. And our city has a growing population of those who claim to believe in Jesus but no longer see regular church attendance as necessary to their growth in faith; this, too, must change. And, once we decide to attend a church, we are more reluctant to become a member of that church; this certainly needs to change. Strong churches are used by God to produce strong families and blessed cities. This is a message to the wandering sheep of Simi Valley. If you love Jesus, you will love that which He loves. Jesus loves His church and sacrificed His life for her. We will spend eternity together with Him. He wants our fellowship to begin right here and now. Life together on earth with Jesus Christ as the head of our fellowship is essential preparation for ministry, missions, and eternity! Options, options, options - so how should we choose the church to which we entrust our family’s spiritual health and growth? Are we looking for cool bands? Funny preachers? Programs offered? Our passage provides the clearest Biblical answer; we are to choose our church family based upon leadership who fully believe in the authority of God’s word, teach it without compromise, and love us enough to speak the truth at all times . . . even when it hurts. Understand this; a worthy church is led by elders and Bible teachers who understand that worldly success is not the goal. Our goal is the please the God to Whom we will, one day, give an account. Looking forward to spending time with you in the word this Sunday! Pastor Steve HOME FELLOWSHIP DISCUSSION GUIDE Q: Who’s the best leader you’ve ever followed? What made this leader easy to follow? Q: In your life, who has best set the pace for following Christ? What made their lives worth imitating? READ FIRST: Hebrews 13:17 Q: Read II Timothy 2:1-5. Name some roles of pastors and elders listed in this passage. What is to be the content of their leadership and teaching? Q: Read Hebrews 4:11-13. What affect does Scripture have in our lives? How should we respond to this? Q: In what ways do your spiritual leaders “keep watch over our souls?” Is this guardianship something you naturally welcome or do you naturally rebel against this? Q: What do you think it means that spiritual leaders and Bible teachers will “give an account?” When will this account be required? Q: How can you help pastors and elders carry out their responsibilities “with joy” rather than a heavy heart?
Looking to Jesus Part 60
April 15, 2018 • Pastor Steve Pope
Looking to Jesus, Part 60 “Pleasing God” Hebrews 13:15, 16 It is not uncommon anymore to speak with someone who doesn’t believe in God, or even to speak with someone who subtly believes he is god. There are also those who believe that there is a God, but that He is distant and uncaring. But the Bible reveals a God who is both all powerful and indescribably loving! He is knowable through the work of Jesus to those who believe and receive Him. Our passage clearly reveals a God who has fully accepted His children and loves us by grace. There is nothing we can do to earn this love and nothing we can contribute to make this love more permanent. But, for those overwhelmed with gratitude for the salvation that has been provided, there are three sacrifices with which to please Him and make His heart glad. There is (1) a sacrifice of gratefulness for all He is and for all He has given us (a “thank offering”). There is (2) a sacrifice of loving service to those He brings into our path. And there is (3) a sacrifice of generosity. With these three things, God is well pleased. As we speak of our gratitude to God among the lost, willingly serve the people of the city we’re called to love, and share with those in need, the gospel of God’s grace is clearly communicated. The lost will see our love for God and for people and be drawn to Him. Now, this makes His heart glad! See you on Sunday, Pastor Steve